Table of Content
Key Takeaways
- Priority pass represents the network of airport lounges. They include restaurants and mini-suites. As the latest numbers suggest, there are more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, covering more than 140 countries.
- Some expensive credit cards with hefty fees offer their clients access to airport lounges as an additional benefit. Besides having a place to relax, beneficiaries can also get free food and drink.
- The actual terms of using lounges vary, depending on the location and the credit cards. For example, if you have an American Express Platinum credit card, you can bring two guests to the airport lounges.
- There is a possibility to get access to lounges without a credit card. This usually involves registration on the android or apple application and paying for the service.
How Does Priority Pass Work?
Priority pass is a network of airport lounges. They also include airport restaurants and mini-suites to make your time in the airport more relaxed and comfortable. It includes 1,300 locations all over the world in more than 148 countries. It also includes more than 600 airports.
Only some locations are eligible, so make sure you check the airport you are going to before you arrive to see if you have access to the lounges and restaurants. You also need to pre-enroll in the program so you can have all the benefits.
You can often bring guests and children, but you might need to pay extra for them or make reservations ahead of time. Keep in mind that some clubs are nicer than others so you might not get 5-star service in every airport.
Priority Pass Lounge Experience: What Do You Get?
The main features of Priority Pass lounges include amenities and services designed to enhance the travel experience for members. While specific features can vary between lounges, here are common aspects you can expect in Priority Pass lounges:
- Comfortable Seating: Priority Pass lounges typically offer comfortable seating options, including chairs, sofas, and workstations.
- Wi-Fi Access: Complimentary Wi-Fi is a standard feature in Priority Pass lounges, allowing members to stay connected and work while waiting for their flights.
- Snacks and Beverages: Lounges often provide a selection of snacks, light refreshments, and beverages, including coffee, tea, soft drinks, and sometimes alcoholic beverages.
- Quiet and Relaxing Atmosphere: Priority Pass lounges are designed to provide a quiet and relaxing environment away from the hustle and bustle of the main airport terminals.
- Workspaces: Many lounges are equipped with workstations, power outlets, and sometimes business services to cater to business travelers.
- Flight Information: Priority Pass lounges typically have display screens or announcements with up-to-date flight information to help members keep track of their flights.
- Showers and Restrooms: Some lounges offer shower facilities for travelers who may need to freshen up during a layover. Restrooms are also available.
- Entertainment Options: Lounges may have TVs, newspapers, and magazines for entertainment, ensuring a pleasant waiting experience.
- Dining Areas: In addition to snacks, some lounges offer more substantial meal options, either through a buffet, a la carte dining, or partnerships with airport restaurants.
- Children's Play Areas: Certain lounges are family-friendly and provide designated play areas for children.
- Spa Services: Premium lounges may offer spa services, such as massages or beauty treatments, often available at an additional cost or as part of a premium membership.
- Meeting Rooms: Some lounges provide meeting rooms or private spaces for business meetings or quiet work.
- Luggage Storage: Facilities to store luggage securely are available in some lounges.
- Member Assistance: Lounge staff are usually available to assist members with any inquiries or issues.
- Global Lounge Network: Priority Pass provides access to a wide network of lounges globally, allowing members to enjoy similar benefits across various airports.
It's important to note that the specific features can vary between lounges, and the availability of certain amenities may depend on the location and the type of lounge (standard, business, or first-class).
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Which Credit Cards Offer Priority Pass Access?
Many credit cards offer Priority Pass access, catering to various travel styles and budgets. Here are a few popular options:
Card | Priority Pass Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Cardholders get free entry for the cardholder plus two guests, with an additional $27 fee per guest. |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards | Cardholders, along with two guests, can access lounges, and this benefit extends to authorized users. |
| American Express Platinum Card | Enjoy boundless access to Priority Pass Select lounges and Centurion Lounges. Cardholders and two guests receive complimentary entry, while additional guests incur a $35 fee. |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant | Offering complimentary access for the cardholder plus two guests, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card entails a $35 fee for additional guests after enrollment. |
| Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite | Cardholders or their guests receive 8 complimentary visits per 12-month Priority Pass membership year, with a $35 fee for subsequent visits.
|
| U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature | Providing 4 complimentary visits per 12-month Priority Pass membership year for cardholders or guests, this card incurs a $35 fee per visit thereafter.
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| Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card | Cardholders, along with two guests, and up to four authorized users, enjoy the same benefit without additional fees. |
How to Maximize Your Priority Pass?
If you have a credit card that gives you access to the priority pass and other luxury perks, you are probably paying an annual fee sometimes upwards of more than $500.
Making back the annual fee should be your number one priority otherwise the annual fee is being wasted. One way you can make the fee back is by using your points for travel. You could your points to redeem free airline perks and get upgrades when traveling.
It’s a good idea to take advantage of the lounges when flying. Make sure to get to the airport early enough so you have time to enjoy the lounge and get free food and drinks. Also, don’t forget to use lounges when traveling abroad—whenever you have a layover, check if the airport has a lounge you can access.
Many airports also allow you to bring guests. If you're traveling with others, be sure to take advantage of this benefit by bringing your loved ones along. During long layovers, you can also use the free showers and toiletries to feel refreshed and more comfortable while traveling.
Priority Pass Partner Lounges
Partner lounges offer Priority Pass members additional options for comfortable spaces at airports. Here's a peek into some prominent Priority Pass partner lounges:
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Plaza Premium Lounges
Renowned for their modern design, extensive food and beverage options, and comfortable seating, Plaza Premium Lounges are ubiquitous across major airports. Think sleek workstations, entertainment facilities, and even shower suites in select locations.
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Club Aspire Lounges
These lounges, primarily found in North America, are known for their upscale ambiance, diverse food buffets, and premium bar selections. Expect spacious seating areas, complimentary Wi-Fi, and sometimes even spa treatments for ultimate relaxation.
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Emirates Business Class Lounge
Located at Dubai International Airport, this expansive lounge boasts a staggering variety of food and beverage options, including a dedicated champagne bar, a duty-free shopping area, and even a squash court!
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No1 Lounges
No1 Lounges, located at various airports, provide a range of services including food and beverage options, workspaces, and relaxation areas for Priority Pass members.
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DragonPass Lounges
Certain lounges affiliated with DragonPass are included in the Priority Pass network, providing additional choices for members.
Priority Pass Membership Levels
Priority Pass offers different membership levels, each catering to varying needs and preferences of travelers
- Standard Membership: Standard membership typically provides basic access to the Priority Pass network of airport lounges. Members and guests need to pay a fee $35 for each lounge visit.
- Standard Plus Membership: Standard Plus membership costs $329 per year and includes a 10 free lounge visits per year, after which members may be charged a reduced fee of $35 for each additional visit. This level often offers a more cost-effective option for those who use lounges occasionally.
- Prestige Membership: Prestige membership is designed for frequent travelers who want more comprehensive lounge access. It costs $469 per year and includes unlimited lounge visits per year, $35 for guests.
While a variety of U.S. credit cards provide access to airport lounges through a benefit known as Priority Pass Select, the terms differ among them. Certain cards grant access solely to the cardholder, whereas others extend the privilege to include guests.
Regardless of the specific arrangement, both Priority Pass and Priority Pass Select members have the option to pay for extra guests beyond the complimentary access provided with their membership.
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Delta Sky Club Membership: What Do You Get With Priority Pass?
Delta Sky Club has 50 lounges all over the world though only two are international; There is one in London Heathrow and one in the Pudahuel airport in Chile. Not all-sky clubs are the same so you will definitely find better amenities in some places compared to others.
All clubs have flight assistance, free alcohol, fresh food, free WIFI, and TVs. Some of the fancier clubs will have full-service bars, business centers, showers, airport terraces, and free newspapers and magazines.
There are several ways you can gain access to Delta Sky Clubs. One-day passes are no longer issued, so you will need to buy a membership pass. You can also get access to all the clubs with one of the Delta SkyMiles cards. Some offer you free access while other cards will make you pay a small fee to enter the lounge.
You can also get access by getting Delta's elite status. Diamond Medallion members are the only ones who will get complimentary service, but the other members can still access it if they are traveling internationally with one of the airport partners. For one-time access, you have to fly Delta One or SkyTeam Premium Cabin.
United Club Membership: What Do You Get With Priority Pass?
The easiest way to get access to the United clubs is to have one of their credit cards. This allows you to get into the club for free, but it comes with a large annual fee. You can also get into the clubs by getting the entry-level United Explorer Card which gives you two entries into the clubs per year. This might be a better option if you don’t fly often.
You also need to have a same-day boarding pass. United also has special Polaris lounges that will offer better amenities such as modern furniture, private shower suites, and fresh and healthy food.
They don’t allow guests and you have to be in the United Polaris business class, or the Star Alliance first class. Only Chicago, Newark, San Francisco, and Los Angeles have Polaris lounges.
Other United clubs have locations all over the world including IAD, ORD, DEN, IAH, LAX, EWR, and SFO. Right now, there are no international lounges. If you only travel internationally, having access to United clubs will not benefit you except when you are leaving the country.
Use Priority Pass on American Express Airport Lounges
American Express Global lounges can be found all over the world in 130 countries with over 1,200 airport lounges. It includes the Centurion Lounge, the International American Express lounges, priority pass lounges, escape lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Plaza Premium Lounges, and Air Space lounges.
If you want maximum access to lounges all over the world and you spend a lot of time traveling internationally, this might be a could option to have.
If you have a platinum card membership, you get to bring two guests to most lounges. All amenities and services are free, but you need to have a same-day boarding pass and your Amex card with you.
In international airports, the terms and conditions may vary. American Express lounges can be found in Argentina, Australia, India, and Mexico. Escape lounges are found primarily in the United States.
Plaza Premium lounges can be found in 50 countries worldwide and give you access to the lounges no matter your airline or ticket class. Airspace lounges are only in the United States and are open to all platinum card members or higher.
If you have a lower-tier card, you might not have access or you might need to pay an additional fee for access to the lounges.
Amex Platinum, Gold or Blue Cash Preferred: Compare Lounge Access
The American Express® Gold Card does not have free access to the airport lounges. You will still be able to get in for a discount price though compared to one the airport lounges used to charge for a one-day pass.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express card gives you free access to most lounges around the world including the Centurion lounges, Delta Sky Club lounges, priority pass, and airspace lounges.
Similar to the gold card, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express card is not a travel card and does not give you access to airport lounges for free. You have to pay an additional fee if you want to hang out in the lounges while traveling.
If you are a frequent traveler and want access to the most lounges, you need to get the Business Platinum card.
How to Access American Airlines Admirals Lounges?
Like Delta and United, American Airlines also has access to admiral airline lounges. However, you have to be able to access the clubs based on some criteria that need to be met before you enter the airport. First and business classes always have access to the lounges if they are on an American Airlines flight or flying with a OneWorld partner airline.
You can also have AAdvantage status with certain cards like executive platinum, platinum pro, and platinum. Citi executive cards also get access if you are on a qualifying flight. You also get automatic access to the clubs if you are military personnel flying in uniform on an American airline flight.
If you do not meet these criteria, but you want to be able to fly, you can buy a one-day pass for $59. You need an eligible boarding pass. You might not be given access if the lounges are meeting capacity as the airline wants to give their credit card users and frequent flyers more priority.
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Leverage Chase Sapphire Reserve Priority Pass
The only card that offers free airport lounge access is the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. The cardholder has to be present, and you’re allowed to bring 2 guests.
You will have access to 1,300 airport lounges from all over the world. This includes over 600 airports around the world. This is one of the better options if you fly internationally and want to be able to get into lounges from all over the world.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card gives you priority pass access which we discussed earlier in the article. You will get all of those perks and rewards when it comes to airport lounges and other airport perks when traveling.
You can also use the priority pass restaurant features if you want. Make sure you check the airport or restaurants ahead of time to see if they have access to the priority pass, so you know before you travel.
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve Priority Pass: Comparison
With Chase Sapphire, you get access to new airport lounges such as The Club ones in LGA, BOS, and HKG. These lounges include both domestic and international choices.
You only get access to The Club lounges which gives you many options, but fewer choices than you would get with the Priority pass that comes with Chase Reserve. All The Club lounges have fresh food and drinks as well as entertainment and wellness options.
Along with all The Club choices, Chase Reserve cardmembers have access to over 1,300 lounges in addition to the Chase Sapphire lounges.
With the priority pass, Chase Reserve cardmembers also have access to mini-suites and restaurants in lounges all over the world. If you love international travel or your job takes you across continents, the reserve card is probably worth more.
The Chase Sapphire has a smaller annual fee, so it could be a better option if you only travel sometimes and just want access to a few lounges when going abroad or staying within the United States. It also doesn’t give you access to the restaurants or the mini-suites.
Priority Pass Without a Credit Card?
You can get a priority pass on your phone through an app on your iPhone or Android. You will need to make an online account and pay for a membership and then make sure you have your membership number handy. You can then access the My Digital Card under the account screen. It will come with a QR code that can be scanned by app the lounges and airports in the world.
Even though you don’t have a credit card, you will still need to get a membership and make sure you have paid the fees online before you can have access to the lounges and other perks.
United Lounge SFO vs AmEx Lounge SFO
San Francisco International Airport has a United lounge and an AMEX lounge. You can check-in at the gate or you can check in on your mobile device, so you don’t have to wait in line. There is a full business center if you need to work and a full bar and dining area. There’s even a wine tasting section.
The United lounge has many of the same features including free drinks and bar service. They offer more light snacks than full meals like the AMEX club. They also have free WIFI, private phone, and a customer service desk to make it easier for you to make flight changes.
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FAQ
Do all credit cards with Priority Pass offer the same benefits?
No, benefits can vary between credit cards, including the number of complimentary visits and guest access policies.
Are there Priority Pass lounges in every airport?
While Priority Pass has a global network, not all airports have participating lounges.
Can I use Priority Pass if I don't have my physical membership card?
In many cases, the Priority Pass mobile app can serve as a digital membership card for access to lounges.
Are there any additional fees for using Priority Pass lounges?
Some memberships offer a certain number of complimentary visits, but additional visits or guests may incur fees.
Are there any restrictions on the type of flights for lounge access?
Generally, Priority Pass lounges are accessible regardless of the airline or class of service you are flying.
How do I upgrade or downgrade my Priority Pass membership?
Contact Priority Pass customer service or refer to the official website for information on upgrading or downgrading memberships.
Are there any age restrictions for accessing Priority Pass lounges?
Most lounges welcome guests of all ages, but certain lounges may have specific policies regarding children.
Is Priority Pass only for business travelers?
No, Priority Pass is for all types of travelers, offering various membership levels to suit different needs.
